32000E0347

Council Joint Action

of 22 May 2000

extending the validity and application of Joint Action 96/250/CFSP in relation to the nomination of a Special Envoy for the African Great Lakes Region

(2000/347/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, in particular, Articles 14 and 18(5) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Joint Action 96/250/CFSP of 25 March 1996 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union, in relation to the nomination of a Special Envoy for the African Great Lakes Region(1), as last extended by Decision 1999/423/CFSP(2), expires on 31 July 2000.

(2) Taking into account the on-going revision of the status of the EU Special Representatives, it is appropriate to extend the validity of Joint Action 96/250/CFSP until 31 December 2000 in order to allow its recasting in the light of the agreed changes.

(3) On the basis of the review of Joint Action 96/250/CFSP, application thereof should be extended,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

The validity of Joint Action 96/250/CFSP shall be extended until 31 December 2000.

Article 2

1. The financial reference amount intended to cover the costs related to the mission of the Special Representative for the African Great Lakes Region shall be EUR 595000.

2. The amount specified in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to finance the infrastructure and current expenditure of the Special Representative, including his salary and that of his support staff not covered by secondment. Member States and EU institutions may propose the secondment of staff to work with the Special Representative. The remuneration of staff who might be so seconded shall be covered respectively by the Member State or EU institution concerned.

3. The Council notes that the Presidency, Commission and/or Member States, as appropriate, will provide logistical support in the region.

4. The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the Special Representative and the members of his staff shall be defined with the parties. Member States and the Commission shall grant all necessary support to such effect.

Article 3

The EU Special Representative shall be guided by, and report under the authority of, the Presidency, assisted by the Secretary-General of the Council exercising the function of High Representative, to the Council on a regular basis and as the need arises. The Commission shall be fully associated therewith.

Article 4

This Joint Action shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. It shall apply as from 1 August 2000.

Article 5

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal.

Done at Brussels, 22 May 2000.

For the Council

The President

J. Gama

(1) OJ L 87, 4.4.1996, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 85.